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Entry Level Welder Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... is entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy ... Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to cut, heat, braze, weld ...

Transit Fleet Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

... an entry level skilled mechanical repair work on transit diesel-powered buses and a variety of ... Performs minor welding and some major welding tasks. Operates various types of shop equipment ...

Transit Fleet Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

... an entry level skilled mechanical repair work on transit diesel-powered buses and a variety of ... Performs minor welding and some major welding tasks. Operates various types of shop equipment ...

Automotive Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Must be detail oriented and able to coach and train the entry level techs. Must have your own tools ... welders, brake lathes, etc. * Perform other duties as assigned and required. Profile Summary:

Must be detail oriented and able to coach and train the entry level techs. Must have your own tools ... welders, brake lathes, etc. * Perform other duties as assigned and required. Profile Summary:

Repair Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.50 - $28.25/hr

This is an entry level job - we will train you! This position may require occasional overnight ... Maintenance, construction, welding, fabrication, and automotive repair can also be relevant. What ...

Entry Level Welder information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do entry level welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level welder in Reston, VA is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level welder?

To thrive as an Entry Level Welder, you need basic welding knowledge, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with welding equipment, ability to read blueprints, and certifications like AWS Certified Welder are commonly required. Reliability, willingness to learn, and teamwork are important soft skills that help new welders succeed. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient work in manufacturing, construction, and repair environments.

What are some common challenges entry level welders face during their first year on the job?

Entry level welders often encounter challenges such as adapting to different welding techniques, maintaining safety standards, and working efficiently under supervision. Many find it takes time to perfect steady hand movements and to read blueprints or technical drawings accurately. Additionally, adjusting to the physical demands of welding—like standing for long hours or working in confined spaces—can be tough initially. However, with guidance from experienced team members and consistent practice, most new welders overcome these hurdles and become proficient in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Welder vs Apprentice Welder?

AspectEntry Level WelderApprentice Welder
CertificationsBasic welding certifications often preferredTypically working towards certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, construction, fabrication shopsOn-the-job training in similar environments
ExperienceMinimal or no prior experience requiredTraining phase, learning skills on the job
Job RolePerforming basic welding tasks under supervisionLearning and assisting with welding tasks

Entry Level Welders are ready to perform basic welding tasks with minimal experience, often holding certifications. Apprentice Welders are in training, gaining hands-on experience under supervision to develop their skills. Both roles are common in manufacturing and construction industries, but apprentices focus on learning and certification attainment.

How much do entry level welders make?

Entry-level welders typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Wages can vary based on location, industry, and the welder's certifications and skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welder jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Welder jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Welder jobs in Reston, VA?

For Entry Level Welder jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Welder jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Welder jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Welder jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Welder job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Welder job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,170 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

City of Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Why Join The City Of Fairfax?

Competitive salary and benefits package

Work with a dedicated team maintaining critical public transportation assets

Ongoing training and certification support

A workplace that values teamwork, safety, and innovation

Benefits:

$2,000 bonus (Class A CDL) or $1,000 (CDL permit).

Annual tool allowance.

Excellent health, dual retirement, and leave benefits

Non-competitive promotion potential to Emergency Vehicle Tech II, III and IV upon completion of requirements under skill-based pay system.

Emergency Tech I - Full Range $63,008 - $100,633

Emergency Tech II - Full Range $66,158 - $105,667

Emergency Tech III - Full Range $69,465- $110,952

Emergency Tech IV - Full Range $72,938 - $116,497

This is an entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy fire apparatus, ambulances, special operations fire fleet vehicles and equipment.

Performs work with maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and replacement of machinery and equipment for the Fire Department fleet; does related work as required. Repairs, maintains, services, or alters special purpose equipment mounted on or associated with fire department vehicles. Special equipment is inclusive of fire pumps, aerials, valves, generators, command zone etc.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fleet Operations Manager. Assignments are received from the Fleet Services Operations Manager in the form of repair orders, employees work under general supervision using independent judgment in diagnosis and repair. Work is subject to inspection while in progress and upon completion. After hours on-call rotation is required.

On an as needed support; maintenance, mechanical repair, fabrication, new setup, and surplus decommission of a variety of med-heavy duty fleet and equipment including special operations vehicles and equipment, refuse collection trucks, transit buses, leaf trucks, snow equipment, sewer equipment, trailers, hybrid vehicles, and other gasoline and diesel-powered heavy-duty and specialized equipment.

Examples Of Duties

Preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing fire department vehicles and equipment including ladder trucks, pumpers, engines, ambulances, staff vehicles and varied firefighting equipment.

Ensuring compliance of equipment and maintenance operations with all applicable standards, policies and procedures.

Inspecting, testing, and diagnosing various systems and components including both gasoline and diesel engines, ignition, computerized engine controls, cooling, charging, emissions, fuel, fire pumps, aerial apparatus and mandated NFPA pump testing.

Coordinating and monitoring and inspecting work performed by outside service providers; testing vehicles and equipment to ensure readiness for use.

Responding to emergency breakdowns and performing off-site repairs.

Understanding and interpreting blueprints, shop drawings, and maintenance manuals.

Repair, adjust, alter, and service all mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically operated auxiliary equipment mounted on or associated with vehicles, aerial platforms, pumps, compressors, and ladder assemblies.

Repair, adjust, and alter pumps inclusive of Hale and Waterous.

Perform major and minor repairs to heavy-duty diesel engines, pneumatic suspension systems, heavy-duty automatic transmissions, fuel injectors, mechanical engine governors, air brake system, transmission components, driveline, and other specialized chassis components.

Repair, service, and maintain air conditioning and heating units, door controls, interior lighting, and other mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically operated coach systems.

Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to cut, heat, braze, weld, or fashion equipment parts, brackets, or braces which may be required to complete a repair.

Assisting in the development of maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures.

Participating in the specification and design of fire department vehicles.

Performs automotive repairs in an open bay, in a dusty, dirty environment where exhaust fumes are often present and where temperatures may become very hot or very cold depending on the weather.

Uses various computers and scan tools to diagnose equipment as well as DVOM's and DSO with special leads and amp clamps.

Operates saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, valve grinding machines, and other related automotive machinery.

Assist with compliance inspections on aerial devices.

Performs seasonal inspection and repairs to leaf collection and snow equipment.

Performs repairs on fuel site equipment.

Performs repairs and fabricates shop equipment and tools.

Maintains OSHA compliance in assigned bay.

Performs minor welding and some major welding tasks.

Operates various types of shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, micrometers, dial gauges, pressure gauges, power saws, drills, grinders, tire changing, plasma cutter, torches, welder, press, pullers, vacuum machine, etc.

Attends safety training.

Verifies newly purchased light and heavy-duty fire vehicles to ensure they meet city specifications, install decals and other equipment.

Make emergency road repairs and service calls as necessary.

Required to be on call to respond to vehicle or city emergencies.

Will be required to work overtime with little or no notice as needed.

Keeps bay, toolbox, and workstation neat and clean, removing trash daily.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and extensive experience in the repair and maintenance of fire department vehicles, medium duty/mechanical repair/maintenance & diagnostics and vehicle/equipment operation; supplemented with three years previous experience and/or training that includes technicians or medium duty/mechanical maintenance, medium duty/mechanical diagnostics, fire department vehicle repairs and vehicle/equipment operations.

Must meet Skill Base Pay requirements for Fleet Technician I.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of automotive, construction, and maintenance vehicles and equipment and specialized equipment including gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and air systems.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions, including administrative regulations, and standard operating procedures.

Ability to interpret and work from service manuals, specifications, and diagrams using hardback copies and using computer resources.

Ability to maintain necessary repair records, work effectively on cloud base asset management databases for electronic work orders and other various applications.

Skill in the use and operation of tools and machinery used in fleet repair work.

Ability to test drive vehicles and equipment.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to adapt to new technologies.

Ability to be a proactive self-starter.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess a valid class A commercial driver's license with N, P, and air brakes endorsements within six months of employment. Must have a satisfactory driving record that meets the City of Fairfax's policy standards.

Must obtain the following certifications within 12 months of employment:

  1. ASE xEV Level 1 certification
  2. ASE 609 Refrigerant and Recovery

Maintains meets requirement evaluation in all areas.

Able to perform minor fabrication.

Must furnish complete set of own hand tools.

Must be able to work 60% unassisted.

Supplemental Information

Selected candidates with an active CDL will receive a $2,000 bonus upon hire. (Paid per pay period, 26 pay periods per year). Selected candidates with an active CDL learner's permit will receive a $1,000 bonus upon hire. (Paid per pay period, 26 pay periods per year).

Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm